Balnaves The Blend

[Innkeeper]

1998 Balnaves, Coonawarra, The Blend ($15 Southern Hemisphere Wine Center). This is an almost equal blend of merlot, cabernet sauvigon, and cabernet franc made from Coonawarra grapes. Bought two of these much earlier this year from Southern. Popped one soon thereafter. We were wildly enthused about it. We immediately tried to get some more, with the idea of letting you all in on the deal too. Well, John at Southern said he was out of it and couldn't get any more.

After a great deal of additional research, including contacting the folks at Balnaves, we found one other dealer that had it. But he wanted $25 for it. We felt it was a great $15 wine, but could do better at $25, so we left a short post on Wine & Food Affinities along with a few other reds we had recently popped and what foods went with them.

Then this week WS gave an in depth review of wines from Oz. It it they gave the price of the '99 The Blend as $25. So, rather than the second dealer being a rip off, it was Southern that screwed up, and had the wrong price on it.

So we popped the second, and last bottle last night with the thickest rib eye I've ever seen, garlic bread, and salad. It was delightful. If you see it for less than $20, grab it. Just wish I bought a whole box when I ordered the two.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 09-17-2002).]

[Auburnwine]

Of Aussie blends, I love the Scarpantoni School Block -- cabernet, shiraz and merlot. WS gives it an 89 or 90. I had been spending around $20, but recently found it on sale in Birmingham for $12.99. Tis a fine thing.

[Innkeeper]

Ah, but it is the cabernet franc that gives a blend the aromatic sensuousness that reminds one of an East Bank Bordeaux.

[Auburnwine]

Speaking of blends, I rather like the Waterbrook Mélange from Washington State: 34% Sangiovese, 24% Syrah, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and 4% Cab Franc.

My wife (a jealous woman) limits my "aromatic sensuousness" quota to 4% or less.